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How to Hide Apps on an Android Phone

By Formoni 3 min read

Hiding apps on Android has become common among users who want to keep their privacy or simply tidy up their app drawer. People have many reasons to hide apps, but the process stays the same. In this article we look at how to hide apps on Android devices.

Method 1: Using a Third-Party Launcher

A third-party launcher is a custom launcher you can install to change the look of your home screen and app drawer. Most third-party launchers have a built-in option to hide apps.

One of the most popular launchers is Nova Launcher. To hide apps with Nova Launcher, install it on your device and then follow these steps:
  1. Open Nova Launcher and tap “Nova Settings”.
  2. Scroll down and tap “App & Widget Drawers”.
  3. Tap “Hide apps”.
  4. Select the apps you want to hide.
  5. Tap “Done”.

Once you hide apps with Nova Launcher, they no longer appear in the app drawer or on your home screen. To open a hidden app, you can search for it in the Google Play Store.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party App

The Google Play Store also has many third-party apps that let you hide apps on your Android device. Popular ones include App Hider, Hide App – Hide Application Icon and Calculator Vault.

To hide apps with a third-party app, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install the app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
  3. Choose the apps you want to hide and tap the Hide button.
  4. The selected apps are now hidden and can only be opened through that app.

Note: Some third-party apps may need a rooted device for all their features. Rooting gives users of Android phones, tablets and other devices privileged control (called root access) over parts of the Android system. Rooting can void your warranty and carries some risk, so be careful.

Method 3: Using the App Drawer

The app drawer is the central place on your Android device where all your apps are kept. It usually opens when you swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap the app drawer icon.

To hide an app from the app drawer, simply remove it from the drawer screen. Press and hold the app icon, then drag it to the “Remove” or “Uninstall” option that appears.

After you remove the app from the drawer, it is no longer visible but stays installed on your device. You can still open it by searching for it in the Google Play Store.

Hiding apps on Android is simple and can be done with a third-party launcher, a file manager or a third-party app. Each method has pros and cons, so pick the one that suits you. By following the steps in this article, you can hide apps on your Android device and keep your privacy.